Tok-Tok - Bullet In The Head

Artist: Tok-Tok

Title: Bullet in the Head

Label: Tok-Tok Records

Catalog #: TTRCD02

Release Date: Jan 29, 2010

Rating: 5

Bullet in the Head is an 18 track romp that takes us to the unfortunate part of the circus through the repetition and instrumentation of SNES songs. Usually, with albums of this length, I like a logical and expressive progression through the story/the concept behind the creation, or at least some attention given to the proximity of the songs. Unfortunately, this album seems devoid of such consideration. Even worse, the quality of the individual songs does not make up for the disparity in the whole. Most of the album feels like sketches that need elaboration and unraveling, but instead were presented to us in the raw general MIDI files. Repetitive and unmoving drums, a vomit of sad face paint and ripping electro synths stain the dance floor. When I hear rhythms and compositions this predictable, I expect some sonic or textural mutations. I want morphing synths and sliding percussion. Not here. Instead, I feel more inclined to follow the command the album title suggests, and just end it all now. 

Having said that, the rating I awarded this album might seem illogical. But, there is a delicious crystal of groove buried in the bowel of this bereft clown. “12:34 PM” is a moving and exciting piece of floor pounding polyrhythm. The bass shifts slowly forward over the beat as the percussion alternates its emphasis from the upbeat to the second sixteenth note. A sample that stretches the offbeat creates a space within the track that suggests we found a fun super-house nightclub in this corroded carnival. This track has that kind of rhythm that makes me trip over myself, but instead of crying like a frightened child at the circus, it makes me laugh. 

Sorry Tok-Tok. This album should have been released as a single with a few remixes. It still should be, but for now I have to endure tracks as offensive as “Dr. Strangelove”. 

- Non Curo

-Tracks:

1) Bullet In The Head

2) Bullet In The Bubble

3) Umda

4) Tripping Unit

5) Cotton

6) 12:34 PM

7) Jack MD

8) Intermezzo

9) Earthquake

10) Hazil Tonk

11) Freak

12) Access Point

13) Control Edge

14) Turnpike

15) Polka Dot Jersey

16) Jaycube

17) Dr. Strangelove

18) Assembly Tool